In June CarLocate.com added a “Socialize” page to its growing site. CarLocate.com is a site that makes the experience of buying a new or used car, “easier, faster and more effective.” The Socialize page is just another way to this. Now car buyers can connect with other car buyers as well as members of the CarLocate.com team. With the socialize page it is now easier to find recent topics from the CarLocate.com blog and automotive forum. Socialize also helps viewers quickly browse through information about CarLocate.com’s activities, events, contests and social media.
In the CarLocate.com blog buyers can find information and the latest news from the automotive industry and about car shopping. The Automotive Forum allows buyers to connect with one another and learn from each other’s insights and experiences with cars and car buying. Socialize also allows users to connect with CarLocate.com’s latest Facebook and Twitter posts. The Press Room posts news releases about what’s happening within the company. Lastly, the Socialize page also contains an “About Us” section where users can learn more about the “CarLocate Crew.”
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
No Questions Asked 60 Day Return Policy from Chrysler
Customers who purchase a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Dodge RAM truck over the next few months have the option to choose a 60 day return policy on the vehicle. The 60-day return policy option goes by different names depending on the brand. Chrysler calls it the “Regret Free Purchase”; Dodge has the “60-day Test Drive” and RAM trucks deal goes by “60-day Handshake.” Jeep hasn’t developed a name yet. This program allows the customer to return the vehicle after 60 days if they are not satisfied. If they return it Chrysler will also pay the first two months payments on the vehicle up to $1000. There are a few caveats to this deal; customers cannot return the vehicle for at least 30 days and they must pay a 40-cent charge per mile driven. The vehicle also cannot have incurred more than $200 damage or have more than 4000 miles on the odometer. Chrysler recently ran a similar program with its minivans, the Town & Country and Grand Caravan, and it was a huge success. This time the deal is available on virtually all models. Last year GM ran a 60-day return program with great success, less than one percent of the buyers actually returned their cars.
This program is being offered to improve customer confidence in Chrysler brands. According to the Lead Executive for US Sales, “We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge; consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked.” About 2000 of Chrysler’s dealerships will be participating in the 60-day return program incentive.
This program is being offered to improve customer confidence in Chrysler brands. According to the Lead Executive for US Sales, “We build great vehicles for just about any lifestyle and with this pledge; consumers will have the confidence to know they made the right purchase or they can return the vehicle no questions asked.” About 2000 of Chrysler’s dealerships will be participating in the 60-day return program incentive.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Should You Take your Car Back to the Dealer for Service?
My car is about to hit the 100,000 mile mark and it’s time for a checkup. Should I take it to a dealer who specializes in my car or will any old mechanic do? This question comes up a lot. There is always going to be the big debate of which is better. A lot depends on whether you are willing to spend the extra money at the dealership because you know the mechanics there know about your specific model.
Taking your car to the dealer may cost you a little more than a general mechanic. But what you get for that premium is satisfaction that the mechnic working on your car is certified to work on your specific make and model. General mechanics are not trained on one particular car and may not know all of the little ins and outs of your specific model. Also, after 5 years chances are most major parts on your car are still under warranty. The dealership will honor this warranty and fix the problem free of charge, possibly without even charging labor costs. But if you take it to the mechanic down the street you will be paying for every hour spent figuring out what is wrong as well as paying for the parts needed to fix the problem. If a part needs replaced on your car the dealer should be able to get the part quickly, if they don’t already have it, where as the general mechanic will probably have to order it and it could take weeks to get the part in.
There’s a lot to be said for taking your car to the general mechanic if all you need is a belt replaced or an oil change. They are fast and fairly inexpensive; but when more major work needs to be done on your vehicle it’s best to let the professionals do it. Dealer mechanics have had lots of experience and are licensed to work on your specific vehicle.
Taking your car to the dealer may cost you a little more than a general mechanic. But what you get for that premium is satisfaction that the mechnic working on your car is certified to work on your specific make and model. General mechanics are not trained on one particular car and may not know all of the little ins and outs of your specific model. Also, after 5 years chances are most major parts on your car are still under warranty. The dealership will honor this warranty and fix the problem free of charge, possibly without even charging labor costs. But if you take it to the mechanic down the street you will be paying for every hour spent figuring out what is wrong as well as paying for the parts needed to fix the problem. If a part needs replaced on your car the dealer should be able to get the part quickly, if they don’t already have it, where as the general mechanic will probably have to order it and it could take weeks to get the part in.
There’s a lot to be said for taking your car to the general mechanic if all you need is a belt replaced or an oil change. They are fast and fairly inexpensive; but when more major work needs to be done on your vehicle it’s best to let the professionals do it. Dealer mechanics have had lots of experience and are licensed to work on your specific vehicle.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Why So Many Recalls?
It seems like lately every time you turn on the news everyday there are more car manufacturers recalling at least one of their vehicles. With the continuing release of more and more recalls the question has to be asked; why are cars that are supposed to be safer seeming to be more dangerous? Though the cars do have problems; consumer knowledge and world-wide spread news are some of the biggest factors in creating recalls. Consumers today have higher expectations and are much more aware of potential safety issues. Problems in cars are more likely to be reported and in order to avoid any problems or accusations of trying to hide something car manufacturers have found it’s safer to simply recall the “problematic” vehicles. After Toyota was accused of “dragging its feet” with reference to all of its recent recalls other manufacturers are willingly recalling any vehicle that may cause problems. The government’s legal system “encourages companies to recall products proactively instead of waiting for something to go wrong.”
What do all of these recalls mean for the automotive industry? Absolutely nothing. The automotive industry is not going to suffer from all of the recent recalls. Today’s cars are still safer than any in the past and most manufacturers are just being cautious. Quality standards in the industry have improved as well as industry regulation. The reality is that recalls are normal; according to the Consumer Union; “virtually every car has at least one recall.” This is due to the components and systems in newer cars that change with age; and since vehicles are lasting longer than ever it is only natural that they component could potentially cause problems in the future. But manufacturers cannot wait 10 or 15 years to introduce a new system into the market simply to see how it ages. Chances are taken and occasionally there are problems. But today’s cars are still the safest on the road.
If you have a car on the recall list take it to the dealer, let them fix the problem and then be on your way.Once manufacturers find a problem they are quick to find the solution. There are many current Toyota owners who remain loyal to Toyota despite all of its recalls. Ultimately what is most important is how the manufacturer handles the problem for the consumer
What do all of these recalls mean for the automotive industry? Absolutely nothing. The automotive industry is not going to suffer from all of the recent recalls. Today’s cars are still safer than any in the past and most manufacturers are just being cautious. Quality standards in the industry have improved as well as industry regulation. The reality is that recalls are normal; according to the Consumer Union; “virtually every car has at least one recall.” This is due to the components and systems in newer cars that change with age; and since vehicles are lasting longer than ever it is only natural that they component could potentially cause problems in the future. But manufacturers cannot wait 10 or 15 years to introduce a new system into the market simply to see how it ages. Chances are taken and occasionally there are problems. But today’s cars are still the safest on the road.
If you have a car on the recall list take it to the dealer, let them fix the problem and then be on your way.Once manufacturers find a problem they are quick to find the solution. There are many current Toyota owners who remain loyal to Toyota despite all of its recalls. Ultimately what is most important is how the manufacturer handles the problem for the consumer
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Future of Flying Cars- Reserve Yours Today!
Every driver has imagined flying above the crowd when they are stuck in rush hour traffic, well by the end of next year this dream could be a reality. For only $10,000 as a deposit you can reserve your very own Terrafugia Transition, a flying vehicle that is also street legal. Terrafugia has been working on the design for this vehicle since 2006 and it is finally becoming a reality.
This flying car, or as the company refers to it, this “roadable aircraft” gets 30 mpgs on the highway, has front wheel drive, and can hold two people. The cargo space has room for skis, golf clubs or fishing poles. On the road this “aircraft” can reach normal highway speeds and is able to fit in a normal size garage and parking space; if the wings are folded up. When you are ready to drive just push the button in the cockpit and wings unfold. Then all you need is a third of a mile of straight road and you are ready to take off.
With a range of 400 miles and a cruising speed of 115 mph in the air the Transition is great for taking those long family vacations. According to Terrafugia, this aircraft is “perfect for trips between 100 and 400 miles.” All that is required to drive and pilot the Transition is a license to fly a Light Sports Aircraft as well as a valid driver’s license. The pilot’s license only requires 20 hours of flight time and only 5 of those must be solo. If you do choose to purchase this “aircraft” you can even get your license through Terrafugia.
The safety features of the Transition comply with all federal auto safety standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It includes crumple zones, airbags and other safety features that are required to make this aircraft street legal. Additional safety features comply with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. For flying time the aircraft is equipped with modern glass avionics and a full vehicle parachute.
The Transition is set to make its debut at the end of 2011. Reserve yours today and be one of the first flying above rush hour traffic!
This flying car, or as the company refers to it, this “roadable aircraft” gets 30 mpgs on the highway, has front wheel drive, and can hold two people. The cargo space has room for skis, golf clubs or fishing poles. On the road this “aircraft” can reach normal highway speeds and is able to fit in a normal size garage and parking space; if the wings are folded up. When you are ready to drive just push the button in the cockpit and wings unfold. Then all you need is a third of a mile of straight road and you are ready to take off.
With a range of 400 miles and a cruising speed of 115 mph in the air the Transition is great for taking those long family vacations. According to Terrafugia, this aircraft is “perfect for trips between 100 and 400 miles.” All that is required to drive and pilot the Transition is a license to fly a Light Sports Aircraft as well as a valid driver’s license. The pilot’s license only requires 20 hours of flight time and only 5 of those must be solo. If you do choose to purchase this “aircraft” you can even get your license through Terrafugia.
The safety features of the Transition comply with all federal auto safety standards enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It includes crumple zones, airbags and other safety features that are required to make this aircraft street legal. Additional safety features comply with the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. For flying time the aircraft is equipped with modern glass avionics and a full vehicle parachute.
The Transition is set to make its debut at the end of 2011. Reserve yours today and be one of the first flying above rush hour traffic!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Texting and Driving- Banned by 19 States and More to Follow...
In 2008 6,000 people were killed in car crashes that involved a distracted or inattentive driver and over half a million were injured. These looming statistics have caused the US to create guidelines for states to create laws that will ban texting while driving.
Back in January a nationwide ban was issued by the Transportation Department for any commercial driver; including truckers and bus drivers to engage in texting while driving. Nineteen states including the District of Colombia have already banned texting while driving. California and New York are two of the seven states that have banned the use of handheld devices for any reason. Massachusetts is on its way to banning texting while driving right now. The bill was approved unanimously by the Massachusetts House and is waiting on approval by the Senate. The US has encouraged all states to enact laws that prohibit texting while driving.
Drivers pulled over for texting in states where it is banned could face a minimum fine of $75 and possible action against their driving privileges. In cases that result in serious injury or death the offender could be charged with a felony. Commercial drivers caught texting while driving could be subject to civil or criminal charges of up to $2,750.
According to the results of one study a driver’s reaction time is better when they’re drunk and driving (0.46seconds) versus when texting and driving (0.52 seconds) and both are better then when the driver is reading a text and driving (0.57). In other words; if a car is traveling at 35 mphs it will travel an extra 21 feet before the driver applies the brakes if he is reading a text and an extra 16 feet before applying the brakes if the driver is writing a text. The faster the car is going the more distance the car will cover before the brakes are applied.
There’s no question about it; texting while driving can be a very dangerous choice. If you must text; pull over. Some even recommend just turning your phone off when you get in the car so you will not be distracted by others texting or calling you and you won’t be tempted to text yourself. Texting and driving is joining the horrible ranks of driving under the influence (DUI) and drinking while intoxicated (DWI); it is now known as DWT.
Back in January a nationwide ban was issued by the Transportation Department for any commercial driver; including truckers and bus drivers to engage in texting while driving. Nineteen states including the District of Colombia have already banned texting while driving. California and New York are two of the seven states that have banned the use of handheld devices for any reason. Massachusetts is on its way to banning texting while driving right now. The bill was approved unanimously by the Massachusetts House and is waiting on approval by the Senate. The US has encouraged all states to enact laws that prohibit texting while driving.
Drivers pulled over for texting in states where it is banned could face a minimum fine of $75 and possible action against their driving privileges. In cases that result in serious injury or death the offender could be charged with a felony. Commercial drivers caught texting while driving could be subject to civil or criminal charges of up to $2,750.
According to the results of one study a driver’s reaction time is better when they’re drunk and driving (0.46seconds) versus when texting and driving (0.52 seconds) and both are better then when the driver is reading a text and driving (0.57). In other words; if a car is traveling at 35 mphs it will travel an extra 21 feet before the driver applies the brakes if he is reading a text and an extra 16 feet before applying the brakes if the driver is writing a text. The faster the car is going the more distance the car will cover before the brakes are applied.
There’s no question about it; texting while driving can be a very dangerous choice. If you must text; pull over. Some even recommend just turning your phone off when you get in the car so you will not be distracted by others texting or calling you and you won’t be tempted to text yourself. Texting and driving is joining the horrible ranks of driving under the influence (DUI) and drinking while intoxicated (DWI); it is now known as DWT.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Electric Car Rebates and Incentives Being Offered By California
California is taking the lead in the push to get consumers to buy and drive more environmentally friendly vehicles. They are offering numerous incentives to consumers to go out and purchase electric vehicles including generous rebates. Along with the tax rebate of $7,500 from the government to owners of low-emissions vehicles the state of California is offering an added rebate of $3,000 to $5,000 more; or $20,000 to buyers of low-emission commercial vehicles. Their goal is to have 7,500 all-electric and 25,000 plug-in hybrids on its roads by 2014 with an increase to 60,000 electrics and 85,000 plug-in hybrids by 2017.
In order to reach this goal and persuade buyers to purchase these new concept vehicles they plan on putting $200 million a year through 2015 into low-emission vehicles. They are going to be subsidizing charging stations that should be in operation by 2012. They’re intention is to ease the consumers biggest concern about electric cars- will I run out of power before I reach a place to recharge the batteries? With a range of only about 100 miles in most electric cars this is a very real concern for consumers. Major shopping centers or malls, movie theaters, hotels and restaurants are being considered as great locations for charge stations. The stations need to be in places where people are willing to spend a few hours waiting for their vehicle to recharge. New charging stations are being designed to give 220- to 240-volt electricity which will charge cars in about two to four hours, half the time needed with standard 110-volt current. Once businesses learn that they can give away a few dollars worth of electricity to capture consumers for a few hours they become very interested in installing charge stations in their parking lots.
With electric cars becoming more mainstream added incentives are great ways to get consumers to purchase these low-emission vehicles. About two dozen car companies are coming up with ideas and new models of electric cars. The Nissan Leaf coming out sometime at the end of this year is a pure electric car with a driving range of about 100 miles. The Chevy Volt is another type of electric car known as a plug-in hybrid. This vehicle runs on electric battery until it runs out of power, then the gas engine turns on. Currently the only mass-produced electric car is the Tesla sports car which came out a few years ago, and has produced over 1,500 vehicles. However, at a price tag of over $100,000 this car is not for the everyday driver. The new electric cars to hit the market will carry a much lower base sticker price.
The question remains though, are consumers ready for electric cars? With California’s incentive rebates along with the governments rebates these cars won’t cost more than a standard gas powered car; but will the limited range of the vehicle deter potential buyers? And what about the rest of the country, California is known for its push to be environmentally friendly, but is the rest of country as concerned? We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
In order to reach this goal and persuade buyers to purchase these new concept vehicles they plan on putting $200 million a year through 2015 into low-emission vehicles. They are going to be subsidizing charging stations that should be in operation by 2012. They’re intention is to ease the consumers biggest concern about electric cars- will I run out of power before I reach a place to recharge the batteries? With a range of only about 100 miles in most electric cars this is a very real concern for consumers. Major shopping centers or malls, movie theaters, hotels and restaurants are being considered as great locations for charge stations. The stations need to be in places where people are willing to spend a few hours waiting for their vehicle to recharge. New charging stations are being designed to give 220- to 240-volt electricity which will charge cars in about two to four hours, half the time needed with standard 110-volt current. Once businesses learn that they can give away a few dollars worth of electricity to capture consumers for a few hours they become very interested in installing charge stations in their parking lots.
With electric cars becoming more mainstream added incentives are great ways to get consumers to purchase these low-emission vehicles. About two dozen car companies are coming up with ideas and new models of electric cars. The Nissan Leaf coming out sometime at the end of this year is a pure electric car with a driving range of about 100 miles. The Chevy Volt is another type of electric car known as a plug-in hybrid. This vehicle runs on electric battery until it runs out of power, then the gas engine turns on. Currently the only mass-produced electric car is the Tesla sports car which came out a few years ago, and has produced over 1,500 vehicles. However, at a price tag of over $100,000 this car is not for the everyday driver. The new electric cars to hit the market will carry a much lower base sticker price.
The question remains though, are consumers ready for electric cars? With California’s incentive rebates along with the governments rebates these cars won’t cost more than a standard gas powered car; but will the limited range of the vehicle deter potential buyers? And what about the rest of the country, California is known for its push to be environmentally friendly, but is the rest of country as concerned? We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
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